Summary

Artistic communities have always flourished in London, from the early Painter-Stainers' Company of the sixteenth century right up to the vibrant contemporary communities in the East End. Richly illustrated and grippingly written, this book brings to life the London careers of Blake, Turner, Constable, Whistler, Bacon, Hirst, Emin and many other artists as never before.

Author Notes

Cathy Ross is Head of Department, Later London History, at the Museum of London.

Choice Review

Wedd offers a fascinating account of the history of artists' quarters in London, England, from mid-16th century to the present. Freelance writer Wedd, with Ross and Peitz (Museum of London), prepared the book initially to accompany an exhibition by the same name at the Museum of London. The book is organized into eight chronological sections; illustrations have been chosen carefully and are placed adjacent to associated text. Each section of the book opens with a street map of the portion of London under consideration in the subsequent pages. Maps are enhanced by the provision of both a guide to places identified on the map and a key that separates the function of the buildings by type, i.e., artists' studios, meetings places, etc. The book will serve well students of art history and architectural history; serious students of urban life will find it valuable since it deals with what the authors call "the artistic response to the chosen creative quarter." Illustrations and color reproductions are of exceptional quality and enrich the many other positive aspects of this book. Highly recommended. General readers; upper-division undergraduates. J. H. Heinicke Simpson College